Maple Syrup Baked Beans: A Timeless Canadian Classic

 

Maple Syrup Baked Beans: A Timeless Canadian Classic

If you're craving a taste of tradition, this Maple Syrup Baked Beans recipe is a must-try. Inspired by the vintage charm of the Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook and perfected over years of gatherings at our family’s Maple Sugar Shack, this recipe is a modern take on an old favorite. Unlike the overly sweet baked beans you may have tried, this version strikes the perfect balance with rich maple syrup, a tangy touch of ketchup, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or looking for a hearty side dish to warm up winter meals, this recipe invites you to bring the flavors of Canada's sugaring season into your kitchen. Perfectly suited for younger generations rediscovering the joys of heritage recipes, it’s simple, satisfying, and steeped in history.

A Canadian heritage recipe with a modern twist, these Maple Syrup Baked Beans are perfect for cozy winter meals or family gatherings. Slightly sweetened with maple syrup and molasses, balanced by the tang of apple cider vinegar and a kick of black pepper, this dish is sure to become a comforting favorite in your home.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

  1. Perfect Balance of Flavors – The combination of maple syrup, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar creates a savory-sweet harmony that’s not overly sugary.

  2. Comfort Food with History – A vintage recipe with a modern twist, rooted in Canada’s culinary traditions.

  3. Family Favorite – It’s been a hit at our Maple Sugar Shack gatherings for years, and now it’s ready to become a staple in your home.

  4. Versatile Dish – Serve it with crusty bread, ham, or even enjoy it on its own as a hearty main course.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups white navy beans

  • 16 cups cold water

  • 3 small onions, peeled and halved (or whole, depending on size)

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • 1 tbsp dry mustard

  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • ½ cup molasses

  • ½ cup maple syrup

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • ½ lb salt pork or lard, sliced into 1/8–¼ inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Soak the Beans
    Soak the beans overnight in cold water.

  2. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

  3. Simmer the Beans
    Drain the soaked beans and cover with fresh cold water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the skins split when gently squeezed. Skim off the white foam as it forms.

  4. Prepare the Ingredients
    While the beans simmer, mix the brown sugar, salt, mustard, black pepper, molasses, maple syrup, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Slice the salt pork.

  5. Combine and Layer
    Drain the beans and place them in a large oven-safe pot. Tuck the halved onions evenly throughout the beans, ensuring they’re covered. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the beans and add enough water to cover them. Lay the salt pork slices over the top, covering the beans as much as possible.

  6. Bake the Beans
    Cover the pot and bake for 7–8 hours. Check every 2 hours, adding a bit of water as needed to keep the beans covered. During the last hour, remove the cover to let the beans and salt pork darken and caramelize.

Tips for Success

  • Reduce Flatulence: Draining and replacing the water during cooking helps reduce the gas often associated with baked beans.

  • Creamy Texture: For creamier beans, mash 2 cups of the cooked beans and stir them back into the pot.

  • Don’t Skimp on the Black Pepper: It’s the key to balancing the sweetness and enhancing the dish’s flavor.

  • Serve with Bread: Pair with homemade Spelt and Oatmeal Brown Bread for an authentic and hearty meal.

Maple Syrup Baked Beans: A Heritage Recipe

Maple Syrup Baked Beans: A Heritage Recipe
Yield: 8 - 10
Author:
If you're craving a taste of tradition, this Maple Syrup Baked Beans recipe is a must-try. Inspired by the vintage charm of the Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook and perfected over years of gatherings at our family’s Maple Sugar Shack, this recipe is a modern take on an old favorite. Unlike the overly sweet baked beans you may have tried, this version strikes the perfect balance with rich maple syrup, a tangy touch of ketchup, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.Whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or looking for a hearty side dish to warm up winter meals, this recipe invites you to bring the flavors of Canada's sugaring season into your kitchen. Perfectly suited for younger generations rediscovering the joys of heritage recipes, it’s simple, satisfying, and steeped in history.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups white navy beans
  • 16 cups cold water
  • 3 small onions, peeled and halved (or whole, depending on size)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp dry mustard
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ cup molasses
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ lb salt pork or lard, sliced into 1/8–¼ inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Soak the Beans
  2. Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
  3. Preheat the Oven
  4. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  5. Simmer the Beans
  6. Drain the soaked beans and cover with fresh cold water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the skins split when gently squeezed. Skim off the white foam as it forms.
  7. Prepare the Ingredients
  8. While the beans simmer, mix the brown sugar, salt, mustard, black pepper, molasses, maple syrup, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Slice the salt pork.
  9. Combine and Layer
  10. Drain the beans and place them in a large oven-safe pot. Tuck the halved onions evenly throughout the beans, ensuring they’re covered. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the beans and add enough water to cover them. Lay the salt pork slices over the top, covering the beans as much as possible.
  11. Bake the Beans
  12. Cover the pot and bake for 7–8 hours. Check every 2 hours, adding a bit of water as needed to keep the beans covered. During the last hour, remove the cover to let the beans and salt pork darken and caramelize.

Notes

Tips for Success

Reduce Flatulence: Draining and replacing the water during cooking helps reduce the gas often associated with baked beans.

Creamy Texture: For creamier beans, mash 2 cups of the cooked beans and stir them back into the pot.

Don’t Skimp on the Black Pepper: It’s the key to balancing the sweetness and enhancing the dish’s flavor.

Serve with Bread: Pair with homemade Spelt and Oatmeal Brown Bread for an authentic and hearty meal.

 
 

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Spelt and Oatmeal Brown Bread with Molasses

The importance of skimming the white foam off the top of the simmering beans to remove impurities and keep from spilling over the top.

Adding all the yummy ingredients to the pot for maple baked beans recipe.